Gil Zicklin

Punchily written account of the aftermath of an accidental reveal that sends the protagonist’s older male siblings to prison for long sentences. Subsequent depictions of toxic masculinity and the victim’s (temporary) undoing by three males. Violet, the central character, is an easy target. But also self-reliant, and capable of defending herself. Makes for an engaging novel.

Slow and pointless too much of the time. Writing is trite in too many places: “he bit his lower lip” is no substitute for whatever is going on with the character. On the other hand, a semi-interesting scenario.

Not to be read after reading Richard Powers and Ben Lerner! Too pedestrian.